San Francisco is known as a hub for technology and innovation, and as such, it is home to some of the best tech conferences in the world. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of working with conference organizers to host after-conference VIP receptions, workshops, client appreciation escape room events, and conference after-parties.
If you ever get invited to one of this VIP activation, make sure you go, they are great fun! These smaller gatherings offer an intimate setting for attendees to engage with leading experts, experience products in a more hands-on setting, and discover new ways to use technology to drive growth and success.
In regards to main conferences, whether you’re a tech entrepreneur, developer, or simply interested in staying up-to-date on the latest advances, there is a tech conference in San Francisco that is sure to pique your interest. So, without further delay, here is a list of the greatest tech conferences the city has to offer.
JP Morgan Health Care Conference
January
The annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference is one of the premier events in the healthcare industry, attracting thousands of attendees from around the world. It takes place in San Francisco and features presentations from leading healthcare companies, as well as panel discussions and workshops focused on the latest trends and developments in the field. The conference is an opportunity for attendees to learn about new technologies and therapies, network with industry professionals, and explore potential partnerships and investment opportunities. It is an essential event for anyone involved in the healthcare industry, providing a unique platform for industry leaders to share their insights and ideas.
SPIE Photonics West
January
The SPIE Photonic West Conference in San Francisco is a premier event for the latest advancements in lasers, biomedical optics, biophotonics, quantum technologies, and optoelectronics. It is the largest gathering of photonics professionals in the world, providing an opportunity for attendees to share their research and discuss their product requirements with top suppliers. The conference also features exhibitions and an industry program focused on innovation in the field. Attendees can learn about the latest developments in microfabrication, MOEMS-MEMS, displays, and more. Register now to join the discussion and stay up-to-date on the latest advances in photonics technologies.
AI Summit West
February
The AI Summit is an annual conference that focuses on the latest trends and developments in artificial intelligence (AI). The event is held in various locations around the world, including the AI Summit West, which takes place in San Francisco, California. At the conference, attendees can attend keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops with industry experts and thought leaders, as well as learn about the latest AI technologies and their applications in various industries (e.g., generative tools like Ask Writer in marketing). The AI Summit is a unique opportunity for attendees to learn about the latest trends and developments in AI and connect with other professionals in the field. The conference attracts a wide range of attendees, including developers, researchers, business leaders, and technology enthusiasts.
GDC – Game Developers Conference
March
The annual Game Developers Conference (GDC) is a premier event for professionals in the game industry, attracting thousands of attendees from around the world. It takes place in San Francisco and features a range of educational sessions, workshops, and panel discussions focused on the latest trends and developments in game development. GDC is an opportunity for attendees to learn from industry experts, network with their peers, and explore new technologies and techniques. It is an essential event for anyone involved in the game industry, providing a platform for professionals to share their knowledge and experience and to discover new ways to advance their careers.
TrailblazerDX
March
TrailblazerDX is a Salesforce conference for developers, administrators, architects, entrepreneurs, partners, and students who are building on the Salesforce platform, including MuleSoft, Slack, and Tableau. As these technologies continue to evolve, the demand for specialized Salesforce customization services has surged, enabling businesses to tailor their CRM solutions to better meet their unique needs and enhance operational efficiency. The event features product experts and engineers who share the latest innovations and connect attendees with a global community of Trailblazers. Attendees can participate in person or online and have the opportunity to learn from product managers and experts, network with fellow Trailblazers, and give back to the community.
Cassandra Summit
March
The Cassandra Summit is an annual event held in San Jose, California, that brings together professionals in the field of data infrastructure to discuss best practices and use cases, celebrate makers and users, forge critical relationships, and learn about advancements in the Apache Cassandra ecosystem. The event is organized by The Linux Foundation in partnership with the Apache Cassandra Project and is sponsored by DataStax. The conference features keynotes, hands-on labs and training, sessions, and a popular hallway track, as well as experiential, interactive exhibits and entertainment breaks. The Cassandra Summit is a vendor-neutral event that provides a collaborative environment for showcasing how organizations are using Cassandra to drive innovation. The event will be presented as a hybrid event, allowing attendees to join in person or virtually. Registration will open in November, and scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance.
RSA Conference
April
The RSA Conference is an annual cybersecurity conference that is held in San Francisco. The conference brings together leading security experts, researchers, and practitioners from around the world to discuss the latest trends and challenges in cybersecurity. The conference offers a wide range of sessions, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, technical presentations, and hands-on training workshops. It covers a variety of topics related to cybersecurity, including threat intelligence, incident management and response, cloud security, data protection, and cybersecurity software. The RSA Conference is an important event for professionals working in the cybersecurity field, as it provides valuable insights, best practices, and networking opportunities.
Materials Research Conference
April
The Materials Research Society (MRS) Spring Meeting & Exhibit is a multidisciplinary conference for researchers working in seemingly unrelated fields to come together and share, promote, and discuss developments and issues across disciplines. It provides a platform for presenting research to an interdisciplinary and international audience and offers a window into the future of materials science. The conference is a key forum for researchers from all levels, from students and postdoctoral fellows to Nobel and Kavli Prize Laureates, to exchange technical information and network with colleagues. It is an opportunity to learn about the latest developments in materials research and make connections with colleagues in related fields.
Google I/O
May
The Google I/O conference is an annual event held by Google in San Francisco, California, where the company presents its new technology and product developments to the public. At the conference, Google typically announces updates to its popular products such as Android, Google Maps, and Google Assistant, as well as new ventures such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence. The conference also includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, and hands-on demos for attendees to try out the new technology. The event attracts developers, tech enthusiasts, and media from around the world, and is highly anticipated for the insights it provides into the direction of Google’s technology.
GamesBeat
May
The GamesBeat conference is an annual event held by VentureBeat in San Francisco, California, where industry leaders and experts come together to discuss the latest trends and innovations in the gaming industry. At the conference, attendees can attend keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking events with industry leaders, as well as learn about the latest developments in gaming technology, marketing, and monetization. The GamesBeat conference is a unique opportunity for attendees to hear from and connect with experts and thought leaders in the gaming industry and explore the latest trends and opportunities in the sector. The conference attracts a wide range of attendees, including game developers, publishers, investors, and media.
Cyber Security & Cloud Expo Congress
May
The Cyber Security & Cloud Expo is an event that brings together industry leaders to discuss the latest trends and developments in cyber security and cloud technology. The conference features keynote speeches, interactive panel discussions, and solution-based case studies focused on learning and building partnerships in these fields. The event covers a range of key topics, including the role of the CISO, cloud security, risk and governance, cyber resilience, strategy and policy, privacy and data protection, trust and identity, and the human element in cyber security. The conference is expected to attract over 5,000 attendees, including chief information security officers, chief information officers, chief security architects, heads of information security, chief compliance officers, privacy officers, and data protection specialists. The conference agenda will address the challenges faced by modern enterprises as they evolve in the digital age.
Reacthon
May
The Reactathon conference is an event in San Francisco that brings together professionals in web development to discuss the latest topics, technologies, and skill levels in the field. The conference features a single track of talks by leading experts and speakers in web development, and aims to facilitate conversations and dialogue between attendees. The conference is designed to appeal to a wide range of professionals, including junior engineers looking to learn from senior colleagues and thought leaders, directors of engineering seeking to push the boundaries of their teams, and those who are interested in the energy and network effect of in-person events. The conference is intended to provide attendees with valuable insights and experiences that will have a lasting impact on their careers and overall enjoyment of the field.
Gainsight Pulse
May
The Gainsight Pulse conference is an annual event that celebrates the achievements of customer success, product experience, and community industries over the past ten years and looks to the future. The conference is designed to be a platform for imagining and dreaming about the future of these industries and asking “what if” about a future that has yet to be written. The conference is focused on the concept of durable growth and aims to provide attendees with insights and ideas that can help drive their businesses forward. The conference is expected to be a major event in the software industry and will feature a range of speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC)
June
The Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) is an annual event held at Apple HQ in the Bay Area where the company presents its new software and technology developments to the public. At the conference, Apple typically announces updates to its popular operating systems such as iOS, macOS, and watchOS, as well as new products and services. The conference also includes keynote speeches, technical sessions, and hands-on labs for attendees to learn more about the new technologies and software. The event attracts developers, tech enthusiasts, and media from around the world, and is highly anticipated for the insights it provides into the direction of Apple’s technology.
International Research Conference
June
The International Research Conference is a federated organization that brings together a significant number of diverse scholarly events for presentation within its conference program. The conference, organized by the World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, an open science research organization, provides an exceptional value for students, academics, and industry researchers. It invites high-quality research contributions describing original and unpublished results in all areas of automotive aerodynamics for presentation at the conference. The conference solicits contributions of abstracts, papers, and e-posters that address the themes and topics of the conference and encourages prospective authors to contribute and shape the conference through their research.
Data+ AI Summit
June
The Data + AI Summit is an annual conference hosted by Databricks, a leading provider of cloud-based data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. The event is held in various locations around the world, including the Data + AI Summit in San Francisco, California. At the conference, attendees can attend keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops with leading experts in the field, as well as learn about the latest technologies and their applications in various industries. The Data + AI Summit in San Francisco is a unique opportunity for attendees to learn about the latest trends and developments in data and AI and connect with other professionals in the field. The conference attracts a wide range of attendees, including data scientists, analysts, developers, and business leaders.
SmashingConf
June
SmashingConf is a friendly and inclusive conference featuring 2 days of presentations by 12 expert speakers and hands-on workshops. The conference covers a range of topics related to front-end and web development, including UX design tips, JS, and accessibility. The speakers share their expertise and work processes, providing attendees with actionable insights and techniques to use in their own work. The conference is designed to be interactive and engaging, with a small group of 250-400 attendees to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn and ask questions.
Venturebeat Transform
July
The Transform conference is an annual event held by VentureBeat in San Francisco, California, where business leaders and technology experts come together to discuss the latest trends and innovations in technology and their impact on society and industry. At the conference, attendees can attend keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking events with industry leaders, as well as learn about the latest technology developments in areas such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the internet of things. The Transform conference is a unique opportunity for attendees to hear from and connect with experts and thought leaders in the tech industry and explore the latest trends in technology and their potential for transformation.
SEMICON West
July
SEMICON West 2022 is a major microelectronics exhibition and conference that brings together players from the entire electronics manufacturing and design supply chain in one place. The conference is co-located with the FLEX Conference & Exhibition, which focuses on innovations in flexible and printed electronics. Both events will take place at the Moscone Center in San Francisco and feature keynotes, panel discussions, technical sessions, networking opportunities, and more. The FLEX Conference, in its 20th year, will highlight the latest advances in flexible and printed electronics, including applications that deepen interactions between users and their surroundings. The co-location of these two events is intended to facilitate discussions on design and manufacturing processes and accelerate the interrelations of the global supply chain and its markets.
Design Automation Conference
July
The Design Automation Conference (DAC) is a premier event for the design and design automation of electronic chips and systems. It is sponsored by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and supported by ACM’s Special Interest Group on Design Automation (SIGDA) and IEEE’s Council on Electronic Design Automation (CEDA). DAC attracts a diverse global community of more than 1,000 organizations, including system designers, researchers, and academicians from leading universities. The conference features over 300 technical presentations and sessions on recent developments and trends in the electronics industry, as well as an exhibition and suite area with approximately 200 leading and emerging companies in areas such as electronic design automation, artificial intelligence/machine learning, automotive, and more.
VMware Explore
August
VMware Explore is an annual conference focused on the latest trends and developments in multi-cloud technology. The conference is organized by VMware, a company that specializes in cloud-based solutions and services. At the conference, attendees can learn about how to accelerate cloud transformation, build and operate a cloud native platform, secure and empower a hybrid workforce, connect and secure clouds and apps, and expand their horizons. The conference will feature a range of content, including keynotes, breakout sessions, small group sessions, gamified sessions, and hands-on labs. The conference is designed for professionals engaged in enterprise applications, cloud architecture, infrastructure, end users, networking, and security, and aims to provide a platform for building the future of multi-cloud technology.
Dreamforce
September
Dreamforce is an annual conference hosted by Salesforce, a company that provides customer relationship management (CRM) software and services. The conference brings together Salesforce customers, partners, and employees from around the world to learn about the latest developments in CRM and customer service, network with other professionals in the industry, and participate in educational sessions and workshops. Attendees can expect to hear from Salesforce executives and industry leaders, attend sessions focused on specific topics, and enjoy a variety of entertainment and social events. Overall, Dreamforce is a valuable conference for professionals looking to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in CRM and customer service and to connect with others in the industry.
Circle Converge Conference
September
Circle Converge is a conference for innovators looking to explore and build the future of Web3. It brings together a diverse group of attendees including crypto-natives, traditional finance professionals, DeFi leaders, regulators, policy makers, and non-profits to delve into the crypto economy. The conference offers attendees the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops, demos, and one-on-one sessions with tech leaders, as well as network with developers, web3 creators, and crypto entrepreneurs. AlphaPoint will be in attendance at this special three-day event, which also includes an after-hours private event for attendees to explore exclusive amenities.
Red Hat Summit
September
The Red Hat Summit is an event held in San Francisco that brings together the open source community to discuss the latest trends and developments in technology. The conference offers a range of options for attendees, including the opportunity to engage with Red Hat thought leaders, technologies, and solutions, as well as participate in labs and demos. The conference features high-level roadmap and technical sessions, as well as one-on-one meetings and networking opportunities. Attendees can also access experts and insights at Red Hat and sponsor kiosks, and participate in a developer hackathon. The conference offers a variety of learning opportunities with Red Hat experts, including sessions on a range of technical topics.
CDA Presents The Art and Science of Dentistry
September
CDA Presents The Art and Science of Dentistry is a conference for dentistry professionals that takes place twice a year, in Southern California in the spring and Northern California in the fall. The conference provides limitless learning opportunities and a chance to connect with other members of the dental community, including those seeking California dental hygienist jobs. The event aims to empower dentists to excel through dedicated advocacy, protection, education, and practice support. In addition to the in-person conference, CDA also offers a range of learning options and opportunities for networking throughout the year.
Qcon
October
The QCon conference is an international event for software developers, architects, and team leaders, focusing on emerging trends and innovations in software development and technical leadership. The conference features keynote speeches by world-class practitioners, tech talks with leading authorities, and opportunities for attendees to engage with their peers and ask questions. The programming committee selects leading software practitioners to present on key trends, creating a curated learning journey for attendees. QCon is designed to provide actionable ideas that attendees can take back to their teams and implement immediately. The conference is a valuable opportunity for professionals in the software development field to learn from experts and connect with their peers.
Intel Innovation Summit (Formally Intel Developers Forum)
October
The Intel Developer Forum (IDF) was an annual event held by Intel Corporation, a leading technology company that designs and manufactures microprocessors and other computer hardware. At the event, Intel typically announced new products and technologies, as well as provided technical training and resources for developers. The conference included keynote speeches, panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations of Intel’s latest products and technologies. The event was designed for developers, engineers, and other technical professionals interested in learning more about Intel’s products and technologies and how to use them to build innovative solutions. The Intel Developer Forum ended in 2017 and was replaced by Intel Innovation in 2022.
Samsung Developer Conference
October
Samsung holds its annual developer conference in San Francisco, focusing on the SmartThings smart home platform. The company demonstrates its vision for the future and improvements in software, services, and platforms, including its “Calm Technology” allowing multiple smart products to communicate seamlessly for an improved user experience. Samsung also highlights new features and technologies for its One UI, Tizen, Bixby, SmartThings, Matter, and Samsung Wallet. In addition to keynote announcements, Samsung holds breakout events for developers to connect with its engineers and learn about new and existing features.
Product Con
October
ProductCon is a conference focused on the latest trends and topics in product management. It is organized by Product School and brings together product professionals from around the world. The conference highlights product leaders from diverse backgrounds and features presentations by heads of product, VPs, and CPOs from tech giants such as Amazon, Netflix, and Spotify. Attendees can learn from these industry leaders and stay up-to-date on the hottest topics in product management. ProductCon emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusivity, showcasing product leaders from various backgrounds.
AI Frontiers Conference
November
The AI Frontiers Conference is an annual event held in San Jose, California, that brings together experts and thought leaders in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) to discuss the latest trends and developments in the industry. At the conference, attendees can attend keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops with leading experts in the field, as well as learn about the latest technologies and their applications in various industries. The AI Frontiers Conference is a unique opportunity for attendees to learn about the latest trends and developments in AI and connect with other professionals in the field. The conference attracts a wide range of attendees, including researchers, developers, business leaders, and technology enthusiasts.
Open Data Science Conference
The Open Data Science Conference in San Francisco is the premier event for professionals and companies shaping the present and future of AI and data science. With a diverse range of topics such as applying AI across the enterprise, understanding deep learning and machine learning for business, and AI ethics, governance, and bias in models, this conference is a must-attend for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving field. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders, participate in a startup challenge, and learn from top experts in the field to discover the latest developments in AI and data science and discover how to transform your business.
Techonomy
November
At the Techonomy 22 conference, industry leaders and experts gathered to discuss how innovation and technology can help solve the pressing challenges facing society and business. The two-day event featured discussions and interactive sessions with executives, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and academics on a range of topics related to the most significant issues of our time. The conference aimed to help leaders prepare for a brighter future by exploring the potential of technology and innovation to create positive change.
Fan Expo
November
FAN EXPO is a celebration of all things pop culture, where fans can come together to meet their favorite celebrities, hear about the latest movies and TV shows at celebrity panels, watch professional comic artists compete in Sketch Duels, learn new skills at workshops, and take pictures with cosplayers. The event also features a large show floor for shopping, with a wide range of products for all members of the fandom community. FAN EXPO is a place for fans to discover, celebrate, and belong, as they bond over their shared love of pop culture and make unforgettable memories. Past events have included guests such as Ewan McGregor, Anthony Mackie, and the cast of Stranger Things.
Oktane User Conference
November
Oktane is a conference focused on identity, security, and access challenges. It discusses how thousands of customers rely on Okta to drive innovation, operational excellence, and unique digital experiences for their workforce, business partners, and customers. The conference features speakers, training, events, and networking opportunities on the future of identity and how to own the identity layer with more choice, customization, and control. It is suitable for IT leaders, developers, and those just starting their identity journey, with valuable content for all attendees. Oktane aims to keep attendees up-to-date on the latest developments in the field of identity.
{unscripted} conference
November
{unscripted} is a conference that focuses on keynote presentations by industry experts and breakout sessions for practitioners, managers, and technology leaders. The conference is divided into two tracks: the Technical Track, which is geared towards DevOps practitioners and covers topics such as CI/CD pipelines, GitOps, and continuous verification; and the Industry Track, which is aimed at managers and technology leaders and focuses on modern software delivery innovations (e.g., the SaaS business model) and best practices in areas such as security and service reliability metrics.
Chemical and Biological Defense Science &Technology (CBD S&T) Conference
December
The Chemical and Biological Defense Science & Technology (CBD S&T) Conference is a gathering of the most innovative and influential chemical and biological defense community members from around the world. It provides a platform for sharing insights and collaborative ideations on the pressing chem-bio threats of tomorrow. The conference, organized by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency’s (DTRA) Chemical and Biological Technologies Department in its role as the Joint Science and Technology Office (JSTO) for the Chemical and Biological Defense Program, brings together nearly 1,500 people to explore disruptive, change-making concepts in the chem-bio defense landscape.